Family happenings

The past couple days we have had some beautiful fall weather. Just perfect for me.. I love warm days and crisp nights. The only dilemma I have this year is knowing how to dress Aubriella if we plan to leave for most of the day. I have been layering her clothes, but I feel bad for putting so many clothes on her. At least as the day warms up and cools back down, she has what is needed. Amoung other happenings, Anthony lost his first tooth, his bottom, front, left tooth. He did very well on his spelling test this week, the repetition has been really helping him. On Tuesday night/ Wednesday morning we had a very bad lightening storm come threw and sure enough my fears happened.. our home and tree were struck by lightening. Thankfully no fire because it was raining it didn't catch, I did smell singed pine needles from the tree though. I have never heard such a loud crack of thunder or see such a bright light in my life.. some how my husband slept right threw.. all we lost was our TV, x-box, home theater, dvd player, and our modems for the computers. I thank God that was it. When our son was 6 weeks old we lost everything in an apartment fire, I don't think we could do that again having our 4 month old daughter. We had a nice family day trip yesterday when we drive up state to see the elk in the Elk County vistors area. I can't believe how big elk are and how beautiful they are. Aubriella even enjoyed all the fresh air and fell asleep on our wagon ride. Speaking of Aubriella, gotta scoot, she's fussing for me. Happy Monday!

Menu Plan Monday September 12th.

Well into September already!! My lil fella has been in school on this 3rd week already & recently discovered he has his very first loose tooth! Today our wee girl turns 4 months old too!! Boy time sure does fly. She had her check up last week and the doctor says she is perfect, which of course I already knew.

Monday- Taco Ring topped with sour cream, lettuce, & tomato.
Tuesday- Italian Sticky Chicken, corn on the cob from our garden, and Mashed potatoes with bacon and cheddar.
Wednesday- Beef and Barley soup with crusty bread
Thursday- Stuffed shells and bread
Friday- Honey BBQ ribs and cole slaw, corn from the garden.
Saturday- L.O. Buffet or Chinese take out.
Sunday- MIL's for dinner I do believe

Hope everyone has a wonderful week! For more menu plans visit Organizing Junkie!

Christmas in September?

Anyone else thinking Christmas thoughts yet?? I'm well aware people are thinking I am nuts, and ya know what? I probably am.. but that is a whole 'nother post.  I usually begin my Christmas shopping this time of year. There is lots of clearance and sales to be had right around this time, and its great to have a nice stash of stuff already taken care of around the time November rolls around. We buy a little something for everyone in our immediate family so it can really add up. If I buy something here and there now, its not as a huge expense later. So while I'm off in town later on this morning I will be keeping my eyes open for some great Christmas deals. As long as I don't forget where I stashed it later.. not that that has ever happened!!

September Goals

Goals

1. Continue to get up at 6:30 am (way too early) and keep a bedtime routine for the kids.

2. Defrost and re-organize the deep freezer. I've been using up everything so I can defrost it since it has an inch or so of ice build up on the sides. I also bought some color coordinated milk crates at Wal-Mart to make finding things easier. I hate leaning over and digging around forever in there to find some. And mostly hate my poor freezer burnt fingers afterward.

3. Decorate for fall.

4. Plan family game nights, using the board games we have and probably borrowing from friends and family.

5. Make dinner 5/6 times a week.

6. Try at least one new recipe a week.

7. Bake some seasonal goodies, using the apples and peaches.

8. Get family pictures taken since almost all of our pictures are missing one key person.. me.

9. Read to the kids more.

10. Spend a little time focusing on my friendships also. Although they are last in line.

11. Save, save, Save, save!! Christmas is not that far away, and I start my shopping around this time. If I see a good deal I have money put up so I can buy it now and store it for later.

12. Date my Husband <3. I really enjoy when we can connect just the two of us as Chris and Vikki, not Mama and Daddy. I really do love his company and doing things with him.

13. Read more, and not blogs and pinterest.

14. Finish our love language book together.

15. Perhaps visit the Pittsburgh zoo.

16. Do a few of the ideas I have pinned for later, now is better than any time. 

17. Attend Church every Sunday & get involved.

18. Smile more.

19. Spend more time with our families.

20. Take my sister out for dinner.

 

I have a little catching up to do..

Since I am up early, I get a lot of stuff done around the house first thing in the morning. As long as I keep myself moving I don't get too tired until around 3. Getting up at 6:30 while taking care of a 3 month old at night has its days where I think I am a zombie, and others are just fine. Luckily for me, my husband helps as much as his work schedule allows, and Aubriella is a fairly good sleeper. We haven't been too busy doing things as much as we are busy doing life. Anthony started 1st grade Monday morning. It was bittersweet to see him go. I know he'll have a better year this year, and I'm excited to see how he does with a new teacher. A new school year is a like a fresh clean slate. Hubs has been busy working and doing outside work, now that it rains again he seems to cut grass up to twice a week. In July our grass was all crunchy and brown, but now its back to being lush and green. Of course Anthony is busy with school, playing, and being super mouthy!! Aubriella is doing her thing too, she now rolls all overr the livingroom floor, actually plays with her toys, and hangs out with me all day. I've been busy taking care of everyone.. and pinning on Pinterest! :) I love that site!! Well here was a quick review! I plan to start joining in the blog hops I enjoy reading.. happy Wednesday!

Crock Pot Country Ribs

Crock Pot Country Ribs

Any amount of boneless country ribs you need

seasonings on hand

bbq sauce

Trim up the ribs, removing any big pieces of fat. Next brown them in a little bit of oil then transfer to the crock pot. Season up with whatever you have, I used salt, pepper, and garlic. And a bit of water. Cook on high for 5-6 hours. Line a cookie sheet with foil, put ribs on the sheet in a single layer, and pour a little bbq sauce on each. Heat on 350 until they caramelized.

Copycat: Cajun Chicken Pasta

Cajun Chicken Pasta

Ingredients

• 2 chicken breasts, boneless skinless
• 4 teaspoons cajun seasoning
• 4 tablespoons butter or 4 tablespoons margarine
• 3 cups heavy cream
• 1/2 teaspoon lemon pepper seasoning
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 8 ounces penne pasta, cooked and drained
• 2 roma tomatoes, diced
• 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, fresh shredded, to taste

Directions

1. Slightly moisten chicken with water.
2. In a large resealable plastic bag, shake chicken and cajun seasoning until chicken is thoroughly coated.
3. In large skillet, saute chicken in 2 tablespoons butter, over medium heat, turning whenever necessary.
4. When chicken is about half-way done, grab a second skillet and combine heavy cream, 2 tablespoons butter, and remainder of seasonings over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
5. When cream mixture begins to bubble, add the pasta and turn off heat. Stir well.
6. When chicken is cooked through, place on cutting board and slice into strips.

This was really good. I made it for my hubby and he loved it. Anthony ate some too, and he is a bit more picky. I will say to go ahead and make the whole box of pasta since there is a lot of extra leftover sauce. I love making a copycat recipe because then we can eat as much as we want, control the quality of the ingredients, and best of all, stay home!